Moving south along the Wind River Range, we decided to take the western route because campgrounds are mostly on this side. Turns out there are barren foothills that block all but the tops of the mountains from view. We tried to get around them. The one campground that succeeded was the Trails End CG but at 9334’ with snow on the ground, we settled for one a bit lower. In hindsight, the CG that looked intriguing was the Green River Lake CG in the Bridger-Teton NF which goes up and around to the north side of Gannett Pk. Hunting is in full swing so Nina wore orange for us all.
Next stop was Shoshone NF and this we loved. A tip from a ranger sent us to Fiddlers Lake CG. The elev. of 9400’ was high but the weather was warm and mornings never got much below 40. Riverside camping with beavers, ducks and plenty of chipmunks to entertain Nina. We also met Gary who was up gathering wood. Talk led to rocks and by the time we parted ways, he gave us an invite to his house in Lander which we did.
He has rocks everywhere in closets, shelves, boxes on the floor, around his foundation outside and inside, in sheds and garages. He had saws, grinders, polishing wheels and tumblers. The rocks were beautiful and he generously gave us an overflowing bucket of them. Banded iron, flaming agate, turquoise, dinosaur gizzards, arrowhead, jade, petrified wood and many more. Once again, the van will come home loaded but at least the suspension will carry it all.
Quick drive up to Thermopolis through the Wind River Canyon and a visit at The Dinosaur Center of Wyoming.
